Turmeric
薑黃Curcuma longa L.
Also known as: Kunyit (Malay), Indian Saffron, Yellow Ginger, Haldi
Properties & Functions
Functions: Invigorates blood and breaks stasis, moves qi and relieves pain, dispels wind and unblocks the channels
Indications:
- Chest and rib pain from qi and blood stagnation
- Amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain
- Rheumatic shoulder and arm pain
- Traumatic bruising and swelling
- Damp-heat jaundice (with other herbs)
- Chronic low-grade inflammation, dyspepsia
Usage & Prescriptions
Dosage: Dried rhizome 3-9g, decoct or grind to powder. Fresh root used freely in cooking. External: powder mixed with oil for joint pain.
Dysmenorrhea with cold-stasis
Turmeric 6g, Chuanxiong 6g, fresh ginger 3 slices, brown sugar, decoct
Shoulder and arm rheumatic pain
Turmeric 9g, notopterygium 6g, mulberry twig 12g, decoct
Traumatic bruising
Turmeric powder mixed with rice wine, apply externally
Recipes & Preparations
Jamu Kunyit Asam
Classic Malay-Indonesian women's tonic drink, taken to ease menstrual cramps, freshen breath, and brighten skin
Servings: Serves 4
Ingredients:
- •Fresh turmeric, peeled and grated, 50g
- •Tamarind pulp 30g
- •Gula melaka (palm sugar) 60g
- •Water 1 litre
- •A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- 1.Boil water, then add grated turmeric and tamarind
- 2.Simmer 15 minutes until deeply golden
- 3.Stir in palm sugar and salt until dissolved
- 4.Strain through fine cloth into a jug
- 5.Chill and drink one small glass daily
Caution
Contraindicated in pregnancy in medicinal doses (culinary amounts in food are safe). Use with caution in those on blood-thinners, with gallstones, or active peptic ulcer. Large doses may irritate the stomach.
Quick Reference
- Nature & Flavor
- Pungent, bitter, warm
- Parts Used
- Rhizome
- Family
- Zingiberaceae
- Standard Dosage
- Dried rhizome 3-9g, decoct or grind to powder. Fresh root used freely in cooking. External: powder mixed with oil for joint pain.
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